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A Gift with Major Bite

The Ian Potter Foundation has provided a $200,000 donation to help build a state-of-the-art learning centre in the heart of the Zoo’s forthcoming Predators’ Precinct.

Zoos Victoria is seeking to fund the construction of the Learning Centre which will be built in conjunction with the Victorian Government’s $5 million investment to redevelop Melbourne Zoo’s Predator precinct.

The donation will be matched by The Yulgilbar Foundation’s challenge grant which has committed to funding half of the $800,000 Predators’ Precinct Learning Centre development, matching all gifts to the project up to $400,000.

Zoos Victoria CEO, Jenny Gray thanked The Ian Potter Foundation and the Yulgilbar Foundation for their combined support, ‘the Yulgilbar Foundation and The Ian Potter Foundation have a proud history of supporting the Zoo, first coming together over 40 years ago to fund the Zoo’s first ever classroom.’

‘Education is at the heart of everything we do here at Zoos Victoria and we are excited that a new Learning Centre will be in the heart of the Predators’ Precinct.’

CEO of the Ian Potter Foundation, Janet Hirst said: ‘the Foundation is delighted to be supporting the establishment of a new learning centre as part of this impressive Predators’ Precinct. The Ian Potter Foundation has enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with Zoos Victoria.’

Both the Yulgilbar Foundation and the Ian Potter Foundation have been strong supporters of Zoos Victoria’s work in conservation and fighting wildlife extinction. The Foundations, along with Zoos Victoria, understand education remains an integral piece of the puzzle when fighting extinction.

‘It is important to us that every student visiting the Zoo has the best facilities to learn about conservation, extinction and how they can assist. We are delighted to work with Zoos Victoria in securing additional funding for this important program,’ said Samantha Baillieu, Chairman of The Yulgilbar Foundation.

The Predators’ Precinct will be developed in two stages, with stage one construction beginning in January 2014 and focusing on the Lion and African Wild Dog exhibits. Stage two will target the remaining big cat exhibits including the popular Snow Leopards and is scheduled to begin in early 2015.

Zoos Victoria will launch a campaign in November 2013 to ask visitors and the general public to donate the remaining $200,000.